Editing

Put my twenty-plus years of children’s book editing experience to work for you!

I have edited many published, award-winning authors, including Nikki Grimes, Gerald and Loretta Hausman, Johanna Hurwitz, Milton Meltzer, Andrea Davis Pinkney, April Pulley Sayre, and many more. The publishers I have worked for, both on staff and as a consulting editor, include Dial Books, Dorling Kindersley, Morrow Junior Books, Orchard Books, and Nickelodeon/Simon & Schuster. I work with publishers as well as individual authors. For more information about my editorial services, please contact me at ellen@ellendreyer.com.

“I can’t thank you enough for all the amazing feedback you provided…the manuscript is really in much better shape now than when we started!”

A.C., Senior Editor, Simon & Schuster

“In my twenty-plus years as an author and publishing professional, Ellen Dreyer is one of the most gifted editors I’ve ever worked with. She is the rarest of creatures: an editor who can address the macro and micro issues of a manuscript with equal skill and sensitivity. Ellen has the ability to see to the heart of a book, and to help writers bring forth their best.”

Kris Waldherr, author of Doomed Queens (Broadway/Doubleday Books), The Book of Goddesses and The Lover’s Path (Abrams Books)

“Once I decided to self publish my debut novel, I knew I had to choose an excellent editor to help make it the very best it could be. Thank goodness

I heard about Ellen’s experience through the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She was a dream to work with. She asked the

hard questions, and she pointed out scenes, descriptions, and characters that could use more development. With Ellen’s invaluable help, I was able to

Ellen understands fiction. Her summary comments, while encouraging, directed me to a critical shortcoming in my writing. After reviewing her comments, writing seemed simpler. When it came to certain aspects of character development, I was consistently missing the mark. Ellen pinpointed that for me.

By comparison, prior comments from readers and editors now sound like blind men describing an elephant. Most of my writing seemed to work, but no one could quite describe what did not. I learned more from Ellen’s review than from many other sources combined.

Ellen’s detailed commentary is equally compelling. The page-by-page comments have substance and relate directly to Ellen’s overall view of the work. Her summary and details reinforce each other.

Speaking with Ellen is a pleasure, because she is willing to explore ideas. She takes a positive tone. She gives specific direction. Beyond being a capable editor, Ellen is a good coach.

For me, continuing to work with Ellen is one more reason to write. Please feel free to contact me for more information.”

Michael Megliola,Portsmouth, NH michael.megliola@gmail.com

“With pleasant yet constructive comments, Ellen was able to help me shape my story into something I am proud to give people to read. She is a total professional with fast turnarounds. Authors working with Ellen can be confident in the result of their project.”

“I had worked on my book, Be Little, for many years; I didn’t want
‘just anyone’ critiquing it. I consulted a dear editor friend who
recommended Ellen Dreyer. I trust my friend implicitly and knew then
and there Ellen must be good. I was right! She is a meticulous line
editor and responds quickly and courteously to your needs. She has
clever ideas and will take your story to the next level.”

Chris Karim, author of Be Little and Shoo Fly, Please Bother Me.

“Ellen Dreyer has the perception and skill to see and draw out the writer’s vision for their story, and to guide them toward a clearer articulation of their vision. As a writer, I value her willingness to hang in there with me as a coach who knows all aspects of the game.”